Streaming Picks: March 2019

FILMSTop PicksTapeheads – Prime and Hulu 3/1
This mostly forgotten ’80s comedy has a very strong but very tiny cult, of which I am a part. It’s a delightful, goofy and clever buddy picture with John Cusack and Tim Robbins as wannabe music video directors. This one has been hard to find in the past, so definitely check it out if you’re a fan of either’s career.

Foreign Language Film SpotlightShoplifters – Hulu 3/14 (Academy Award nominee)The Lives of Others – Netflix 3/15A Separation – Netflix 3/15Cold War – Prime 3/22 (Academy Award nominee)
But if you’re looking for something more highbrow, I recommend all these foreign language films. Shoplifters and Cold War were two strong contenders from Japan and Poland, respectively, that were no match for Roma. The latter two won the award in their years, The Lives of Others in a major upset over Pan’s Labyrinth. I wouldn’t call any of these happy movies in any way, but they’re all moving, with a lot to say about the past and present of their home countries.

NEW SHOWS & SPECIALSTop PicksArrested Development (Season 5, Part 2) – Netflix 3/15Shrill (Season 1) – Hulu 3/15
It is with a begrudging sense of completion that I finish the new Netflix season of Arrested Development, even if the last two have been underwhelming. I’m much more excited about Aidy Bryant getting her first starring role, in Hulu’s adaptation of Lindy West’s memoir. “Girls except good” has been a log line for a lot of shows, but this might be one to make good on that.

COMEDY SPECIALSTop PickNate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid – Netflix 3/26
Bargatze belongs in that class of “The Best Comic You’ve Never Heard.” Hopefully this special will vault him to the recognition he deserves.